Chilocystis clifdeni (Connolly 1932)

Nothing is known of the Dlinza pinwheel's reproductive biology, life history patterns or feeding behaviour.

The fact that Dlinza Forest is an officially protected area, supported by an enthusiastic local community, does confer a degree of protection to this Critically Endangered species. Nevertheless, the small and exposed nature of its home means that this rare and fascinating snail remains somewhat helpless to the changing world around it (1). More research into the ecology and behaviour of this small but captivating species may help unearth valuable information to help guide appropriate conservation action and bring the diminutive 'pinwheel' back from the brink of extinction.

This exceptionally striking snail immediately stands out for the unusual whorl of bristles that radiate out from the edge of its shell, somewhat resembling the pinwheel firework after which it is named. The fragile, almost translucent pale-brown shell is a spiral shape with up to five whorls, sculptured with widely spaced axial riblets (2).

This unique snail is found in coastal scarp forest (1) beneath leaves of understorey vegetation, under fallen logs, in leaf-litter, and occasionally in damp swampy areas (2).

Known only from Dlinza Forest, in the province of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, which covers an area of just c. 250 hectares (1) (2).

Classified as Critically Endangered (CR) on the IUCN Red List 2006 (1).

The Dlinza Forest is officially protected and is under the control of Ezemvelo KwaZulu-Natal Wildlife (1) (3). However, the forest's location within an urban environment does give some cause for concern. Furthermore, its very limited distribution means that it is highly vulnerable to the damaging effects of extreme stochastic weather conditions and climate change (1).